Cheesy Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is a quick and easy recipe for children. As kids, we loved making this in one form or another, for a lunch, snack or for lunchboxes. As an adult, I still love Waldorf Salad!

This version is a departure from the Classic Waldorf, as I've added cheddar cheese and lightened the dressing with the addition of Greek yogurt. Children love the combination of mild creamy dressing, tangy & juicy fruits and the savoury hit of cheddar and walnuts. Yum!

As with all my recipes, it is easy to swap out any ingredients that aren't your cup of tea, and I've given some idea for variations to try.

Independent little chefs out there may like to give this recipe a go on their own (with supervision of course!), using their Opinel or Kiddikutter safety knife.

Remember if sending this in a lunchbox that most schools have a nut-free policy, so leave out the walnuts in the that circumstance

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 Red Apple, diced

2 tsp Sultanas or 10 Green Grapes, quartered

6 Walnut Halves, diced

2 inch piece of celery, sliced thinly

50g Cheddar, diced

2 heaped tsp Greek Yogurt

2 tsp Mayonnaise

Optional: Squeeze of lemon juice, twist of black pepper

 

Method:

First prepare your fruits and vegetables by washing and dicing. It's best to leave the skin on the apple, but you can peel if you prefer. Dice the walnuts and cheddar also. Measure the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt into a medium size bowl - a cereal bowl should do -  and mix well. if using, add the lemon juice and black pepper to the dressing also. Add in all of the other ingredients and mix until well coated in dressing.

Serve at room temperature for the best flavour. Eat on it's own or with bread or crackers.

Store any leftovers in a covered container in the fridge. Lasts at least 2 days. The dressing will keep the apples from browning.

 

Variations

You might like to try these variations:

Apricot & Hazelnut - swap the sultanas or grapes for 2 chopped dried apricots and swap the walnuts for hazelnuts

Pear & Blue Cheese - Swap the apple for ripe pear, and replace the cheddar with a mild blue cheese such as Cashel blue